Show Your Teen What a Positive Attitude Looks Like

Mentioning words like “positive attitude” is a good way to make many teens roll their eyes. But having a positive attitude will help your teen overcome many of high school's challenges. A positive attitude is the foundation of character.

Many key elements of character, including kindness, empathy and leadership, are impossible to achieve if you only look at the dark side of life. A positive attitude is also an important part of good health.

Here are some positive traits to nurture in your teen (as always, model them yourself so he can learn from your example):

• Hopefulness. On most days, some things will go well and others won’t. It’s important not to dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus more on what went well. Those things are the starting point for beginning the next day.
• An ability to move on. Say your teen didn’t get picked for a certain team. The next chance to try out isn’t until next year and no changes will be made to this year’s roster. After some disappointment, encourage him to put it behind him for now. Help him look in a new direction.
• Openness to opportunity. Say your teen loves animals. Having a positive attitude will tell him that there may be a veterinarian in your town who could use some summer help. Call a few of them and a new world could open up for him.
• A sense of humor. Remember: Nothing is better than laughter for getting rid of a negative attitude.

Of course your teen won’t show all these traits all the time. When he does, point out how well he handled a situation. When he doesn’t, help him brainstorm a more positive way to handle things next time.

brought to you by
Parent Connection
Virginia Beach City Public Schools